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While at the podium earlier speaking about draft pick WR Zay Jones, McDermott had this to say about his versatility.

“When you look at his position flexibility, he can move inside, he can play outside and that was also a big part of it as well. You’re not just talking about a guy that can play one position, so he does have position-flex. That said, as a young player, we’ve got to progress him at the right pace.”

Zay Jones set multiple FBS records during his time at East Carolina and is seen by many analysts as a day one starter opposite of Sammy Watkins, but Coach McDermott wouldn’t budge on those notions made by the media.

“He’s going to have to battle, just like we talked last night. We’re all going to have to battle and that’s where it starts, it starts with me, and I’m going to battle every day and I’m going to ask these players to battle every day. And no different with Zay.”

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Character stands out as a common quality between McDermott and Jones and has been seen throughout the draft process with Buffalo. The Bills and McDermott are looking for a specific breed of player that fit the culture they’re trying to achieve to right the ship. McDermott elaborated a little more about Jones’ character when asked what he liked.

“You look at the track record and being able to stay out of trouble anymore is becoming a little bit unique. That’s an important part of it – that you can balance the academics and the athletics and all that goes into that in the college setting and perform at a high level on the field.”

The newest Buffalo wide receiver also had the privilege of playing under new Bills wide receiver’s coach, Phil McGeoghan for one season with the Pirates. Jones had this to say regarding why he thinks Buffalo made the trade to move up to select him.

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“I am assuming it’s because Coach (Phil) McGeoghan was my coach at ECU. So he has seen me perform, knows what kind of person I am, he knows about my character, he just knows the type of man I am.”

A little later in the night, Buffalo decided to move up once again. This time to fill a need on the offensive line by selecting Temple’s Dion Dawkins. At the podium, McDermott harped on the appeal of versatility on his roster.

“You want line of scrimmage value at every position and then also the special teams. Let’s factor in special teams, maybe not necessarily in Dion (Dawkins)’s case but in other cases whether it is with Tre’Davious (White) or Zay (Jones).”

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When being interviewed shortly after the selection, Dawkins had this to say regarding the opportunity to play for the Bills after they lead the league in rushing each of the last two seasons.

“I’m truly blessed to have the opportunity to block for LeSean McCoy and whoever else is in the backfield – and just to even be playing next to other NFL linemen is a true blessing.”

After three trades through two days in the NFL Draft, Buffalo looks poised to have three potential Week One starters on the roster. Look for the Bills and McDermott to add more players with character and versatility during day three of the draft Saturday.